Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Verdict with Ted Cruz: Legend Robert Duvall Passes plus Gavin Newsom Claims He's Disabled
Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Ben Ferguson and Sen. Ted Cruz

Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Sen. Ted Cruz blend sharp political commentary with a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Robert Duvall, who passed away at age 95. The episode pivots from entertainment to politics, dissecting a recent back-and-forth with California Governor Gavin Newsom—whose claim of being "historically illiterate" sparked a social media uproar. The hosts bring their trademark mix of humor and insight, unpacking hot-button political topics, social media drama, and classic Americana through both news and nostalgia.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Tribute to Robert Duvall (07:30–17:10)

• Legacy in Film:

  • Ted Cruz celebrates Duvall as “one of the greatest actors of his generation” and highlights his roles in To Kill a Mockingbird, Lonesome Dove, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, and Gone in 60 Seconds.
  • Special appreciation for Duvall’s skill in portraying nuanced, tough-but-tender older male characters.

• Notable Scenes and Reflections:

  • Ben and Ted introduce memorable Duvall clips:
    • Secondhand Lions bar scene (11:11–13:16): Showcases Duvall’s wisdom and calm toughness.
    • Lonesome Dove bar encounter (15:04–16:48): Demonstrates his iconic portrayal of Augustus McCrae.

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Ted shares that Duvall was made an honorary Texas Ranger for Lonesome Dove and reflects on his Texan spirit, despite not being a native.
  • “Duvall insisted—he’s not having a funeral. He said, don’t have a ceremony for me. Just...watch a good movie, tell a good story, sit around with friends and loved ones. I mean, that really is Duvall” (16:49).

• Legacy among Actors:

  • Connections to Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman; Cruz notes the loss of "modern day legends".

Political Comedy: Gavin Newsom and “Disability” Dispute (21:24–36:12)

• Setting the Stage (21:24–22:35):

  • After recent criticism on their podcast, Gavin Newsom responds on Twitter, referencing his dyslexia in defense against accusations of historical illiteracy.

• Review of the Rupture:

  • Cruz and Ferguson replay the original comments comparing Newsom’s stance on federalizing the National Guard to past Democratic governors resisting federal law during the Civil Rights era (23:17–24:24).
  • “Newsom is apparently thoroughly historically illiterate. He said, we’ve never seen National Guards federalized in the states. I guess his history book does not discuss the civil rights movement.” (23:25, Cruz)

• Newsom’s Reaction & Disability Claim:

  • Newsom tweets: “Ted Cruz calling a dyslexic person illiterate is a new low, even for him.” (24:29–25:03)
  • Ben Ferguson responds: “I'm dyslexic, but that doesn’t mean you’re stupid...you can still be intelligent and be dyslexic, buddy.” (25:03)

• Cruz’s Social Media Response (25:21–27:26):

  • Cruz recounts his reply clarifying that “historically illiterate” refers to ignorance of history, not inability to read.
  • Provides historical fact-check: Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard in 1957 to enforce desegregation (25:24–26:14).
  • Describes internal competition between his own tweet and a meme devised by staff (Zoolander GIF)—leading to humorous “who got more views” banter (27:26–28:02).
    • Cruz: “The one I wrote has gotten a million views” (27:46).
    • Ferguson jokes about “hazing” Cruz’s team when bested (27:50).

• Behind the Scenes: Tweet Writing Process (29:49–33:50):

  • Cruz describes researching details using Google AI while waiting to play basketball, noting the ease of finding precise historical information now.
  • Ferguson pokes fun at Cruz missing free throws, suggesting it gave him time to craft the tweet.

• Debate on Newsom’s Response (33:58–36:12):

  • Cruz asserts that being “a doofus” has nothing to do with being dyslexic, and calls out Newsom’s use of disability as a shield from criticism.
  • The hosts further mock ideological echo chambers and ahistorical political rhetoric, with side discussions about AOC’s foreign policy gaffe and the “Marxist” bent of some modern Democrats.
  • Memorable line from Ferguson: “You can’t fix stupid, sir. You just can’t fix stupid.” (36:12)

Other Noteworthy Segments

• Comedy and Pop-Culture Parallels:

  • Cruz jokes that Gavin Newsom is “the young punk in the bar” (21:34), likening current political antagonists to characters in Duvall’s movies.
  • Self-deprecating banter about age and playing basketball further lightens the tone.

• Meeting Robert Duvall?

  • Cruz admits, “I wish I never got a chance to meet [Duvall]...I wanted to meet him, but we just never crossed paths. But my heart is beating for an American legend who left us.” (17:00–17:03)

• Quick Petty Politics and Social Media Strategy:

  • Inside look at how political responses are created and tested for impact.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Context | |-----------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:06 | Ted Cruz | “Gavin Newsom is having a hysterical bout of crying anxiety because…the last episode of Verdict criticized his imbecility and anti-American leftism…” | | 07:30 | Ted Cruz | “Robert Duvall lived to 95…He’s one of the greatest actors of his generation…His first major movie role was in To Kill a Mockingbird.” | | 16:49 | Ted Cruz | “Duvall insisted—he’s not having a funeral…Just watch a good movie, tell a good story…” | | 23:25 | Ted Cruz | “Newsom is apparently thoroughly historically illiterate...I guess his history book does not discuss the civil rights movement.” | | 25:03 | Ben Ferguson | "I'm dyslexic, but that doesn’t mean you’re stupid...you can still be intelligent and be dyslexic, buddy." | | 27:46 | Ted Cruz | "The one I wrote has gotten a million views." | | 31:39 | Ted Cruz | "...the whole details of the second paragraph. The beauty of Google AI. It took me 30 seconds." | | 36:12 | Ben Ferguson | “You can’t fix stupid, sir. You just can’t fix stupid.” |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [07:30] – TED CRUZ begins Robert Duvall tribute
• [10:50] – SECONDHAND LIONS clip played/discussed
• [15:04] – LONESOME DOVE clip played/discussed
• [17:00] – Final personal reflections on Duvall
• [21:24] – POLITICS: Gavin Newsom as “young punk”; segue to Newsom drama
• [23:17] – Replay of previous episode’s controversial critique
• [24:29] – Newsom’s “dyslexia defense” tweet addressed
• [25:21] – Hosts discuss dyslexia, intelligence, and political rhetoric
• [27:26] – Social media “GIF vs tweet” inside jokes
• [29:49] – Behind-the-scenes of crafting political tweets (with AI)
• [33:58] – Reflection on Newsom’s debate potential and “dyslexia defense” revisited
• [36:12] – Ferguson delivers “you can’t fix stupid” send-off

Tone and Style

The episode is conversational, witty, and often self-deprecating, infused with a mutual love of both politics and classic film. Ted Cruz offers “movie buff” insight while wielding fact-based political critique; Ben Ferguson plays both straight man and humorist. The language is direct, colloquial, and full of jibes, both at political adversaries and at themselves.

Conclusion

For listeners, this episode offers a rich blend of heartfelt cultural nostalgia and pointed political humor. The centerpiece Duvall tribute is deeply personal and packed with classic Americana, while the Newsom discussion provides insight into how public figures—and their teams—shape political narratives for maximum impact. The hosts’ playful antagonism and camaraderie keep the commentary sharp, lively, and accessible to anyone, fan or first-timer alike.